# Dominican Republic corporate criminal liability debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-corporate-criminal-liability-debate > Updated: 2026-10-22T22:29:22.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 4. Business organizations in the Dominican Republic continue to advocate for an extension of the implementation period for new corporate criminal liability provisions under the proposed Penal Code (Law No. 44-26). Groups such as the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE) and the Dominican Association of Security Companies (Adesinc) have supported a legislative proposal by Senator Rafael Barón Duluc Rijo to expand the grace period to 24 months. ANJE noted that the existing three-month deadline, expiring November 5, is insufficient for companies to meet new compliance standards and manage associated costs, particularly for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Other organizations, including the Consejo Empresarial Santo Domingo Norte (CESDN) and the Organización Nacional de Empresas Comerciales (ONEC), have also voiced support for the extension. CESDN President Julián Pérez stated that an extension would allow for a ‘responsible and orderly adaptation process,’ emphasizing the need for legal certainty and technical assistance. ONEC President Ernesto Martínez noted that a reform of this magnitude requires ‘real capacity to comply, rather than just willingness,’ highlighting that the transition involves changes in corporate governance, human resources, and risk management. In response to these concerns, ANJE requested that Senate President Ricardo de los Santos Polanco declare an urgent legislative process to modify Article 31 of Law No. 44-26, warning that an ordinary timeline might not meet the November 5, 2026, deadline. Following this request, the Dominican Senate approved an urgent legislative initiative to extend the implementation period from three months to 24 months. Under the new regulations, corporations can be held liable for crimes committed by executives or employees due to failures in supervision or prevention. The National Council of Provision Commerce (CNCP) noted that this extension provides a vital opportunity for MSMEs to prepare through training and technical assistance. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-22: Dominican Senate extends deadline for corporate criminal liability The Dominican Senate has extended the deadline for new corporate criminal liability laws from three months to 24 months to allow businesses more time to implement required compliance and supervision mechanisms. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-senate-extends-deadline-for-corporate-criminal-liability ### 2026-10-19: ANJE seeks urgent extension for corporate criminal liability compliance ANJE has urged the Dominican Republic Senate to urgently extend the deadline for companies to comply with a new corporate criminal liability regime, citing insufficient time for MSMEs. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anje-seeks-urgent-extension-for-corporate-criminal-liability-compliance ### 2026-10-07: Dominican business groups seek extension for corporate criminal liability laws Dominican business groups CESDN and ONEC are requesting an extension of up to 24 months to prepare companies for new corporate criminal liability regulations in the proposed Penal Code. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-business-groups-seek-extension-for-corporate-criminal-liability-laws ### 2026-10-04: Dominican business groups seek 24-month extension for corporate criminal liability Dominican business groups are backing a proposal to extend the implementation period for corporate criminal liability from three months to 24 months to allow for adequate compliance. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-business-groups-seek-24-month-extension-for-corporate-criminal-liability --- Cite as: Dominican Republic corporate criminal liability debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-corporate-criminal-liability-debate